Images: Prologue to Africa’s Development and Economics Renaissance

Description

‘Images: Prologue to Africa’s Development and Economic Renaissance has come at the appropriate time when Africa is perceived as the next continent that will leapfrog into sustained growth and inclusive development. The argument that the image of self-interest colours the history of development policy permeates the entire book; the analysis is penetrating, incisive and lucid… The application of the image of evolutionary self-interest analysis to developments in Africa during pre- and post-colonial times is not only robust but clearly shows that Africa contributed to this image… in its… socioeconomic development… Images: Prologue to Africa’s Development and Economic Renaissance is history, economics, sociology, political science, anthropology, logic and mathematics among other fields. The analysis that images of evolutionary self-interest drive development policy and hence development is apt and convincing… The book deserves global readership and audience.

‘ Akpan H. Ekpo, Professor of Economics; Fellow of Nigerian Economic Society; Director General, West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management (WAIFEM).

‘This is a very sophisticated analysis of the challenges of development in Africa. The author, in an analytically brilliant manner, has examined the history of development policy and Africa’s political history with narrative verve and energy. He also uses the experience- based approach of case studies to analyze and recommend suitable strategies for overcoming the continent’s contemporary laggard development challenges. The book, written in a style and language that makes it accessible to a broad spectrum of readers beyond professional researchers, academics and other specialists, will help us think deeper about the world we live in.’

Olutayo C. Adesina, Professor of History, University of Ibadan

‘Though not formally expressed, Soyibo, in this work, is in agreement with Rodney’s How Europe Underdeveloped Africa. He reminds us however that pre-colonial Africa was not perfect just as post-colonial African leaders have not done much towards including Africans in the global economic prosperity. The developed world relates with Africa opportunistically… Those who seek to appreciate Soyibo’s down-to-earth argument in this respect should read Paul Collier’s The Bottom Billion: Why the Poorest Countries are Failing and What Can Be Done About It. The difference between Collier and Soyibo is that the latter takes us into a historical journey showing that the rain started beating us in Africa long before now and that the clouds have not stopped forming everywhere… Soyibo’swell-reasoned conclusion is that what Africa needs is not aid but trade and empowerment. This is surely a classic in African Studies!’

Isaac Olawale Albert, Professor of African History, Peace and Conflict Studies, Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, Nigeria